Finger Lakes Museum hires new education director

The Finger Lakes Museum recently hired Keuka Lake native Mike Sullivan as its Education Director. He brings an extensive background in classroom instruction, museum education, and non-profit management to the organization.Sullivan grew up on Keuka Lake and attended Penn Yan schools. After earning a Bachelors of Arts degree in anthropology, he served as program director and exhibit developer at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, taught fourth grade in Honduras, and middle school math and science in Washington, DC.While earning his Masters degree in public anthropology, Sullivan mentored and taught high school students for a job-training initiative, focused on green design, sustainable planning, and youth development. After receiving his advanced degree, Sullivan moved his family to New Mexico where he spent the last five years leading a wilderness education program for youth from around the world. Sullivan said, “As an anthropologist with a love of natural science, I am honored and excited to build the educational programs at The Finger Lakes Museum. I believe that the Museum is a critical asset to the region and I’m eager to work with colleagues, communities, and students throughout the Finger Lakes to collaborate in the creation of this inspirational museum.”Museum Executive Director, Don Naetzker said “We are thrilled to have Mike on board. His ambitious attitude, innate leadership capabilities and love of the outdoors fit well with the Museum’s culture. With Mike now on the team, we look forward to a year full of fun, authentic, educational programs, which will lead to an increased awareness and further support of The Finger Lakes Museum.”The Finger Lakes Museum is being planned to be the premier cultural and natural resource dedicated to the enjoyment, education and stewardship of the Finger Lakes Region and to fresh water conservation. It is chartered by the New York State Education Department and incorporated as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization.